igus: Swimming Pool on demand

With just the push of a button, a luxury swimming pool transforms into a walk-in terrace. A transformation that is possible thanks to a mobile pool floor from Conmag Engineering. But which linear technology works reliably and with low maintenance under water? The engineers at igus found the answer. And thus saved 30,000 euros per system.

Sitting on the terrace in summer at 38 degrees Celsius and dreaming of a swimming pool. This is familiar to many people whose garden is too small for a pool. The solution of the Austrian Conmag Engineering GmbH is a pool that is also a terrace. Its centrepiece: a mobile pool floor. In the uppermost position, it is stable enough for a walk. But if the owner then no longer wants to sit in the sun chair but prefers to jump into the cool water, all he has to do is press a button. The bottom lowers to a maximum depth of 1.5 metres and releases the water. Already at a pleasant temperature. Because part of the floor is a ten-centimetre-thick insulating layer on the underside, which minimises heat loss. An integrated counter-current system even enables fast swimming on the spot – without constant turning.

Hard-to-reach linear technology must be maintenance-free

As elegant and minimalist as the swimming pool from Austria appears: the construction of the mobile pool floor was a challenge in terms of construction technology. “The core competence was to realise a linear movement that was as steady, precise and particularly reliable as possible,” says Gerhard Rosskogler, product manager for high-pressure technology at Conmag. A gap dimension of eight millimetres had to be maintained. “When lowering the lifting floor, the aim was also to keep the forces resulting from the water displacement as low as possible to ensure a sustainable design without jeopardising the stability of the system.” But not only that. “Since the entire mechanics are located under water and are very difficult to access, all components must be maintenance-free and as low-wear as possible.”

Linear guide from igus works lubrication-free and is chlorine-resistant

The use of a corrosion-free linear guide seemed up to the task. Immediately, the designers began with the first tests. “The experts from igus advised us very competently and enabled a quick turnaround,” says Rosskogler. “We immediately received free samples of the components and were able to start a test setup accordingly quickly. Thus, we had a much longer test phase and were finally able to provide the customer with a fully developed product.” The adjustment mechanism now works as follows: Threaded spindles are installed in all four corners of the pool. The bottom moves up and down via them – safely guided by linear guides of the drylin R series from igus with corrosion-free shafts made of stainless steel, mounted on housing bearings of the drylin OXUM-06 series made of anodized aluminium. XUM plastic plain bearing foils made of the igus polymer iglidur X ensure low-friction movement. The foils are resistant to high loads, are resistant to chemicals, have a low moisture absorption and score with wear resistance under water.

Cost savings of around 30,000 euros per system

Thanks to the use of linear technology from igus, Conmag Engineering has killed several birds with one stone. Firstly: The maintenance effort for the adjustment mechanism is almost zero. This is because microscopically small solid lubricants are integrated in the plastic plain bearing foils, which enable low-friction dry running without external lubricants. Lubrication work is thus superfluous. Moreover, there is no danger of grease contaminating the water. Secondly, all components of the mechanical system work reliably even in constant contact with water and chlorine. “Thanks to the combination of stainless steel and high-performance plastics, corrosion is unthinkable,” emphasises Michael Hornung, Product Manager drylin Linear and Drive Technology at igus. In addition, the plastic absorbs very little moisture. “Thus, maintenance-free and reliable operation is guaranteed for many years.” And the final fly in the ointment: costs. “Compared to the previously used gearboxes, we were able to achieve a cost saving of around 30,000 euros per system with the linear technology from igus,” Rosskogler concludes.

For more information, please visit: https://www.igus.de